Themes more expensive than full websites

I was wondering how do ThemeForest themes usually cost more than CodeCanyon full PHP websites (functional sites including front-end, back-end, etc…).

I know that now we got used to it and this won’t change too soon, but when the prices were first set how could for example a theme for “e-commerce website” cost the same as a full PHP e-commerce website.

For example the link you have for code canyon – yes thats a working function BUT it is useless if not incorporated with a site itself. Likewise the TF file has all the visual etc you would need but may lack some of the backend functionality.

They both have their merit and play to their strengths which provides their different value

For example the link you have for code canyon – yes thats a working function BUT it is useless if not incorporated with a site itself. Likewise the TF file has all the visual etc you would need but may lack some of the backend functionality.

They both have their merit and play to their strengths which provides their different value